A treatise of original sin ... proving that it is

It is true, the learned Mercer would apply this to that temporal and blessed restitution of his external happiness, which God vouchsafed to him, but the Context doth necessitate us to understand it of a more glorious condition. We read also, Heb. 11. 13, 14, 15. That the Patriarchs acknowledged themselves pilgrims in this earth, and did declare plainly, they sought an heavenly country. It is not worth the while to examine the suggestions of Schlitingius the Socinian on those Texts, who would so miserably wrest them to his own purpose, and that the day of judgement was used as an Argument to bridle men from sin, appeareth, Eccles. 11. 9. as also Chap. 12. 14. The Book concludeth with this, as a truth to stick in our mind always, That God will bring every work unto judgement, and thus much for his first reason.

It is true, the learned Mercer would apply this to that temporal and blessed restitution of his external happiness, which God vouchsafed to him, but the Context doth necessitate us to understand it of a more glorious condition. We read also, Heb. 11. 13, 14, 15. That the Patriarchs acknowledged themselves pilgrims in this earth, and did declare plainly, they sought an heavenly country. It is not worth the while to examine the suggestions of Schlitingius the Socinian on those Texts, who would so miserably wrest them to his own purpose, and that the day of judgement was used as an Argument to bridle men from sinne, appeareth, Eccles. 11. 9. as also Chap. 12. 14. The Book concludeth with this, as a truth to stick in our mind alwayes, That God will bring every work unto judgement, and thus much for his first reason.

His second reason is no less nocent, The cause of iniquity is not, because nature is originally corrupted, but because Gods Laws command such things, which are a restraint to the indifferent, and otherwise lawful inclinations of nature (Idem ibidem pag. 415) so that our unwillingness and averseness cometh by occasion of the law coming cross upon our nature, not because our nature is contrary to God, but because God was pleased to superinduce some Commandments contrary to our nature; if God had commanded as to eat the best meats, and drink the richest wines, as long as they could please us, I suppose original sin would not be thought to have hindered us from obedience. Thus he in a most profane and unsavoury manner. For